|
|
Nov 22-24, 2016
2 Nights in Boracay at SandCastles The Apartments
GPS waypoint: 11°57'47.3"N 121°55'24.5"E
Location: SandCastles The Apartments, White Beach, Boracay Island, Aklan (province), Philippines
Boracay Deja Vu It has been 10 years since my last visit to Boracay. I've heard so much about it since and was prepared to see drastic change to the place. With Outback Greg's travel invite to Boracay and stay at SandCastles The Apartments, I would once again be at this party place often referred to as 'Makati on a beach'
Aerial View With Air Juan's small 9-passenger plane to Boracay from Coron, the altitude was low allowing bigger view of the underlying islands. This time I opened my Maps.Me phone app and saw where I was during the flight. It also allowed me to identify the scattered islands I could see below. Knowing the actual flight path and the underlying islands we passed over gave me a great sense of bearing and heightened appreciation to the vast natural wealth we have.
Boracay morning beach walk
Getting to the Island It used to be simple getting to the island beach from the airport. Perhaps, with increased human traffic, a new way is now in place, albeit more procedural. From the new airport, we were shuttled to the Arrivals section of the old airport. From there, it was a short walk (150m?) to the pier (Caticlan Ferry Terminal) - you can also take a tricycle if you have heavy luggage. Pier fees are P25 for the ferry and P75 environmental fee. We boarded the ferry to Boracay pier (Cagban Jetty Port). From the pier, we boarded a tricycle to D'Mall (P25) where we walked to SandCastles.
SandCastles The Apartments Finally, we arrived Boracay! I met the rest of the Hutchinsons - Viveca, Greg's wife and the two kids (who are no longer kids!) Jenet and Josh. They set me up to stay at the Tagbanua Room - a luxurious suite fronting the beach with its porch to watch people go by. Back in the day, when I didn't know the Hutchinsons yet, I would pass by this visually imposing room as a beach promenader. The room then was the only one sticking all the way near the beach - the other establishments were receded back. It was so luxurious I wondered what it's like to stay in a room like that. Now, I am staying there. Lesson? Careful what you wish for...you might actually get it.
Beach Walk Boracay's great offering is actually free - a leisurely walk on the board walk (there are no boards...just a beach walkway) for the entire length of the beach with all the establishments lined-up - bars, restos, hotels, dive shops, souvenir shops, etc. It was an animated scene. It's a great way to pass the time and experience the increasing expanse of Boracay beach. A beer rest-stop is always refreshing. Watching the beautiful ladies pass by in the skimpiest swim wear is not a bad sight either.
Full House This is low season on a weekday but Boracay is full. I can't imagine what it's like during high season. It's not surprising. During my Southeast Asian travel, when I meet travelers and ask them about their thoughts on the Philippines, it's usually Boracay, Pacquiao and typhoons. Boracay seems to be the only popular destination they hear about from fellow travelers and travel agencies. The other destinations come second.
Tribal Cafe Dinners The Hutchinson's beach dinners are lavish and decadent - a gastronomic indulgence for the palate. Fall-off-the-bone lamb shanks, European bread and cheese, big fish grilled to perfection, crispy greens on the salad, and aged Cabernet Sauvingon to wash it all down with. I don't care what they serve at the White House or at Buckingham Palace - I'll have my dinners at Tribal Cafe anytime!
Ending Thoughts Boracay's party scene hasn't changed. In fact, there's more partying now than ever. For a brief time, it was also my scene - when Bazura Bar and Cocomangas were the only game in town, back in the day when Boracay was still a topless beach. Now, I watch and appreciate from a distance. Somehow, partying in the hope of getting laid at the end of the night isn't as appealing as it used to be. When I asked myself what excites me now, it's actually meeting someone with an interesting story to tell from across the coffee table - engaged in candid conversation with insight and anecdotes to share. If fireworks come out of it, then nice and dandy, but it's just gravy now.
--- TheLoneRider
Thank you Greg, Viveca, Josh and Jenet!
Nov 22-24, 2016
Boracay, Philippines
(US$1 = PHP 49.73 as of Nov 30, 2016)
- Air Juan flight from Coron (Palawan) to Boracay
- cheap lodging
- luxury lodging at SandCastles The Apartments
- regular tricycle fare
- tricycle fare from pier to Boat Station 2
- ferry from Caticlan to Boracay
- environmental fee paid in Caticlan together with the ferry fee
- cheap carinderia meal for travelers on a budget
There are numerous flights to Boracay from Manila and Cebu. Upon arrival by plane, you
will be transferred by van to the Arrival Section of the old airport. You can walk it to the pier (very short walk) or take the tricycle if you have heavy/bulky luggage. At the boat terminal you pay:
- PHP 25/pax for ferry
- PHP 75/pax for environmental fee
PHP 25 tricycle fare from Boracay Pier to your hotel on Boat Stations 1, 2 and 3
Currency Converter
- Boracay - most popular beach in the Philippines
- Malay - Nabaoy River, Pangihan Cave, Nagata Falls, Agnaga Falls, Naasug Point, Malay Ecological Park, Motag Living Museum
- Nabas - wind tubines, Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs
- Pandan - Malumpati Spring
- Libertad - Maanghit Cave, Ati Cave and Bungan-Bungan Spring
- Sebaste - Igpasungaw Waterfall
- Culasi - Malalison Island
- Tibiao - hot kawa-bath, white water river rafting, Bugtong Bato Waterfall, rice terraces, Tibiao Bakery, pottery, fish spa
- Anini-y - Nogas Island, scuba diving
- Boracay - most popular beach in the Philippines
- Malay - Nabaoy River, Pangihan Cave, Nagata Falls, Agnaga Falls, Naasug Point, Malay Ecological Park, Motag Living Museum
- Nabas - wind tubines, Hurom-Hurom Cold Springs
- Kalibo - Bakhawan Eco-Park, Tigayon Hill
- Tambak - oysters
- Capiz - Roxas City
- Carles | Estancia - Gigantes Island Boat Tour, Lighthouse of Gigantes Island and Bakwitan Cave of Gigantes Island
- Iloilo - Batchoy Indulgence
»» next Traveling story: Exploring Bugtong Bato Waterfalls, Tibiao
»» back to Traveling
»» back to Homepage
ARCHIVE 2024:
JAN |
FEB |
MAR |
APR |
MAY |
JUN |
JUL |
AUG |
SEP |
OCT |
NOV |
DEC
1970 |
1973 |
1975 |
1976 |
1979 |
1981 |
1996 |
2000 |
2001 |
2002 |
2003 |
2004 |
2005 |
2006 |
2007 |
2008 |
2009 |
2010 |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017 |
2018 |
2019 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
2024 |
2025 |
ALL BLOGS
Tibiao Essentials
-
-
|
|
|
|